Pediatric Anesthesiologist

Keep a child sedated during a medical operation.

Quick Stats

Outlook

Good

Salary Range

~ $210,000

Data from U.S. Department of Labor

What do Pediatric Anesthesiologists do?

Surgery has revolutionized the medical world, and thanks to Anesthesiologists, patients don’t feel a thing. Those working as Pediatric Anesthesiologists administer pain medication and anesthesia to children who are undergoing surgery or suffering from intense pain. Pediatric Anesthesiologists make a hospital visit as comfortable and stress-free as they can for young patients.

If you’re a Pediatric Anesthesiologist, you handle multiple activities during surgery that are all linked to keeping the child asleep and the surgical area numb. An extensive review of the patient’s medical history is crucial for determining what dosage is safe to administer. Throughout the surgery, you watch the child’s vital signs, including blood pressure, pulse, and breathing. Your medicine should be strong enough to knock the patient out for the operation, but not so strong that it makes him sick.

After surgery, the child is moved to the recovery room where you direct a team of Nurses to watch over him until he wakes up. Once you’ve examined the child and determined he isn’t suffering from any side effects, you can send him home.

Putting a child to sleep for surgery isn’t your only job though. You also deal with pain management, especially in children with chronic pain—pain that keeps coming back. A successful treatment plan ensures that the child receives only enough pain medication to control the pain without building an addiction or risking negative side effects. At a time when a child’s body is still developing and growing, your role is vital in preventing negative side effects and other harmful reactions.

Should I be a Pediatric Anesthesiologist?

You should have
a
doctoral
degree or higher and share these traits:

Levelheaded:
You hold your emotions in check, even in tough situations.

Reliable:
You can always be counted on to do a good job.

Calm Under Pressure:
You keep your cool when dealing with highly stressful situations.

How to Become a
Pediatric Anesthesiologist

Most Pediatric Anesthesiologists have a Doctorate. Start by getting your Bachelor's degree.